The Power of the Flesh

In my 30 years of life, I have certainly heard numerous sermons about our sinful, flesh nature.  Having children has made me realize even more how strong that nature can be, just by seeing how young they begin to do inappropriate things that they have not yet learned or seen others do.  Today Titus was washing his hands in the bathroom and I went in and told him it was time to turn off the water (he loves to play in it for a long time).  This was not a new or unusual request but something must have triggered because Titus’ first response was to say “You’re naughty Mommy” with a very strong attitude in his voice.  I reacted calmly and told him that he is not to say that to anyone.  I truly expected that to be the end of the conversation but instead I caught him whispering in a very hushed voice, “you’re naughty, you’re naughty, you’re naughty.” He really did think that I couldn’t hear him and was quite confused when I put him in time out for disobeying.  As I thought about the scene, it was almost as if he could not control his actions and just had to say it a few more times.  I’m certainly not justifying his actions and I still believe there are consequences but I am somewhat shocked and appalled at why a 3 year old feels such strong need to test and push the limits.  I suppose I shouldn’t be so shocked, knowing that even as an adult I find myself making choices that I know are not the right choices and yet I still push the limits. I am so grateful that God has given us free choice but I am saddened at how often I don’t use that in the best way I know how and on top of that, I am often bewildered about the best way to teach and guide my children through what I know is a very normal part of their own development as they grasp concepts like obedience, consequences, limits, decisions, etc.

Huh, not exactly my most light hearted post but definitely what’s on my mind today!